Purpose & Background:

Timeline:

About MREA:

The post Grow Solar Jasper + Poweshiek Counties 2025 RFP Announcement appeared first on Grow Solar.

The Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) is seeking qualified firms to submit proposals for the design, procurement, and installation of new, residential and commercial, direct-owned, and power purchase agreement photovoltaic systems at a per-watt price lower than the prevailing single system market rate.

The group buy is offered by the Midwest Renewable Energy Association, the Nature Conservancy of Iowa, 1000 Friends of Iowa, the city of Waterloo, and with support from other local partners. The goal of the group buy is to increase solar education and installations through a group purchase involving free information sessions and a competitive installer selection process. The program will be offered in Black Hawk County, Iowa.

Between 2013 and 2022, the MREA facilitated 60 solar groups buy programs around the Midwest, reaching over 13,500 individuals with our Solar Power Hour information sessions, and leading to more than 20 MW on over 2,700 properties. Among those who attended our presentations, an average of 20% purchased a PV system. To date, the average system size is 7.3 kW.  

Timeline for Program:

RFP Announced: July 3, 2023

RFP Questions Due/Posted: July 17, 2023

RFP Proposals Due: July 24, 2023

Firm(s) Selected: July 28, 2023

The post Grow Solar Cedar Valley 2023 RFP Announcement appeared first on Grow Solar.

The Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) is seeking qualified firms to submit proposals for the design, procurement, and installation of new, residential and commercial, direct-owned, and power purchase agreement photovoltaic systems at a per-watt price lower than the prevailing single system market rate.

The group buy is offered by the Midwest Renewable Energy Association, the Nature Conservancy of Iowa, and 1000 Friends of Iowa with the support of the Cities of Clive, Des Moines, Grimes, Johnston, Urbandale, Pleasant Hill, Windsor Heights, and with support from other local partners. The goal of the group buy is to increase solar education and installations through a group purchase involving free information sessions and a competitive installer selection process. The program will be offered in Polk County, Iowa.

Between 2013 and 2022, the MREA facilitated 60 solar groups buy programs around the Midwest, reaching over 13,500 individuals with our Solar Power Hour information sessions, and leading to more than 20 MW on over 2,700 properties. Among those who attended our presentations, an average of 20% purchased a PV system. To date, the average system size is 7.3 kW.  

Timeline for Program:

RFP Announced: May 2, 2023

RFP Questions Due/Posted: May 9, 2023

RFP Proposals Due: May 16, 2023

Firm(s) Selected: May 23, 2023

The post Grow Solar Polk County 2023 RFP Announcement appeared first on Grow Solar.

In its second iteration, Linn County, Cedar Rapids, Marion, Mount Vernon, Center Point, The Nature Conservancy in Iowa, Indian Creek Nature Center, Matthew 25/Green Iowa AmeriCorps, and the Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) launched this bulk solar group purchase program for Linn County residents and businesses in June. The Grow Solar Linn County team facilitated 19 free, educational information sessions called Solar Power Hours, which drew in almost 400 attendees.

Group purchase programs provide residents and businesses with the opportunity to invest in high-quality, renewable energy solar installations with potential savings on installation costs, while also helping businesses reach sustainability goals. Grow Solar Linn County’s grassroots program combines volume purchasing with community education to make solar more accessible and affordable for area property owners. Passing the 350 kW benchmark triggered a discount for program participants averaging $650 per installation.

In their first year of operation, the solar arrays installed through this year’s program will offset 900 tons of CO₂ emissions per year, which is equivalent to 400 tons of coal burned and will save an estimated $133,797 in electric bills. This program lead to a local investment of $1.7 million in renewable energy. “The growth of the program is a clear indication that the environmental and financial benefits of solar technology are making a positive impact in the region. We are proud to be part of the Grow Solar Linn County group purchase program,” stated Larry Steffen, VP of Sales with Eagle Point Solar. Representatives from Eagle Point Solar, the selected installer for the 2019 group purchase, prepared over 260 bids during the course of the summer

About Linn County Public Health:

Linn County Public Health, an agency within Linn County government, serves more than 225,000 residents of Linn County to prevent disease and injury, promote healthy living, protect the environment, and ensure public health preparedness. Learn more at linncounty.org/health or by calling 319-892-6000. Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/LCPublicHealth and follow us on Twitter @LCPublicHealth.

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